The Press., 1887-10-20

than at any previous fair in the society'a history. As near as can be estimated the attendance on both days was not far from 17,O0O, and over 12, ,000 attended on the second day. Still the expenses of the fair were large, and about $500 have been ex- pended in improvements and new buildings during the year, so that the receipts are not likely to cover the years expenses.
 In athletic sports there were three in- stances of breaking of records. Whitford, the winner in the three jump class in '86 this year made three jumps covering 39 fit. H inches. Last year he jumped Al it, 6 inches, but it was not recorded, as there was question as to the level of the ground. He announces himself able and ready to cover 42 feet when pressed by competitors. Fitzpatrick also beat all former records in standing back jumps and running high jumps.
 There were 156 dogs entered and pres ent in the connected bench show. It was decidedly the best bench show ever held in the state-so say those competent to judge. The most noted kennels of New England, New York and New Jersey were represented. As in former years the ''dog show" was an appreciated branch of the fair.
 The poultry show in no way dimmed the reputation made by successors in former years. Every variety of fowl was shown, incubators and blooders were on inspect ion, and all phrases of henology open to study. Persons who have visited the prominent hen shows of New England dur ing the year pronounce this the best of all.
 A 160 pound squash was feature of the horticultural hall, as a monstrosity of veg citation.
 The big oxen were not shown upon the track as per contract with exhibitor. The absence of the party contracted with was taken advantage of to eVade the bargain and the oxen were shown only in the tent at 10 cents admission. This was one of many annoying results of unfortunate CIT cumstances. The hose race also failed, only four of the stipulated five companies reporting for competition. However, the days were too short for all the attractions on hand to be properly pres ented. Prof. Gleason, the horse trainer, and MT. Lyon with his trained steers would have held the crowd for hours, but could not be gwen as much time as they desired.
 All the trotting passed off we'll, though the night came on before all the heats as- signed for Thursday could be trotted, and some were finished next morning. Right up to the fall of darkness an immense crowd remained to take in the sights. It is highly gratifying to the managers to know that with all the obstacles to the complete show they desired to give they sent home the great crowd in good humor, satisfied with their entertainment and dis posed to come again, and send after their departing patrons the assurance that they are already at work upon plans 10 give them even greater pleasure in 1888.
 The Stafford society while strong ill the line of novelties and amusements especial ly takes pride in rating itself distinctlvely an agricultural society and conducting an agricultural fair. The best exhibits are here seen of implements, seeds, fertilizers, etc., the finest herds of blood and grade animals, sheep, swine, working, draft and trained oxen, while it's poultry exhibit de- serves to stand as show in itself, and the creamery exhibit will have tendency to develop branch of husbandry that seems likely to be henceforth leading one in eastern Connecticut.
 The exhibit of MT. Bragg of Springfield was, as in years past, feature of the show. Agricultural implements, seeds, fertilizers, etc., made up the show. No exhibit is more closely inspected by the farmers of Holland County than that of Mir. Bragg.
 All persons having bills against the so- ciety are requested to present the same to at once to H. s. Abel of the auditing com mikfee